My awesome co-hosts today are C. Lee McKenzie, Rachel Pattison, Elizabeth Seckman, Stephanie Faris, Lori L MacLaughlin, and Elsie Amata!
September’s question of the month - How do you find the time to write in your busy day?
When I’m writing, which isn’t every day, I have a set time every evening that I will write. I just block out two to three hours (or more if I’m trying to beat NaNo) and that’s what I do no matter what. Since I don’t do it all the time, my wife is very understanding. And with that kind of commitment, I can usually get a first draft done in six to eight weeks. (Just imagine how fast I could finish if I typed faster than three hundred and fifty words an hour…)
And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for…
Announcing the 2016 IWSG Anthology Contest!
Last year’s contest was science fiction – parallel world/alternate history, and the result was Parallels: Felix Was Here. This year, we have a new theme and invite all members to submit.
Eligibility: Any member of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is encouraged to enter – blogging or Facebook member. The story must be previously unpublished. Entry is free.
Word count: 5000-6000
Genre: Fantasy
Theme: Hero Lost. It could be about a hero turned villain, a villain's redemption, a hero's lack of confidence, a hero's lack of smarts, etc. It can be about any kind of hero including superheroes, mythological heroes, unexpected or unlikely heroes, or a whole new kind of hero. This theme has plenty of scope and we’re open to pretty much anything along these lines. No erotica, R-rated language, or graphic violence.
Deadline: November 1st 2016
How to enter: Send your polished, formatted, previously unpublished story to admin @ insecurewriterssupportgroup.com before the deadline passes. Please include your contact details and if you are part of the Blogging or Facebook IWSG group.
Judging: The IWSG admins will create a shortlist of the best stories. The shortlist will then be sent to our official judges.
Prizes: The winning stories will be edited and published by Freedom Fox Press next year in the IWSG anthology. Authors will receive royalties on books sold, both print and eBook. The top story will have the honor of giving the anthology its title.
We’re excited to see the creativity and enthusiasm that’s such a part of this group put into action. So don your creative caps and start writing. And spread the word!
Our amazing judges this year:
Elizabeth S. Craig
Richard Harland
Laura Maisano
Russell C. Connor
Dawn Frederick
Michelle L. Johnson
Ion Newcombe
Lynn Tincher
So let your imagination run wild and write something awesome for the anthology!
Question of the Month
Hosted by Michael at A Life Examined“What kind of music best speaks to you?”
Polka. Just kidding!
Obviously, progressive rock speaks to me. As a musician, I’ve always been drawn to more intricate music. While it takes time and many listens to digest it, progressive rock rewards the listener for years to come as every listen reveals some new detail.
Ninja News
We need co-hosts for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group!
If you can help on October 5, November 2, December 7, or January 4, please leave a comment. Five to six co-hosts are needed every month.
If you’ve never co-hosted before, take it from those who have – the IWSG is a lot more fun when you’re on the host side!
Lexa Cain has set up Thunderclap for her upcoming release, Bloodwalker. Sign up for her Thunderclap and support her through Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, or all three.
New Releases:
Robyn says - Don't worry. This isn't another book to add to your growing pile of quality must reads. Nah, this 78 pager is replete with typos by single men seeking "nteligent womans;" Robyn's attempts to seduce stars half her age and twice her height; and spicy poetic erotica. Warning: not for the tightly wrapped (e.g., Martha Stewart) or those lacking humor (e.g., Martha Stewart). When asked for comment, Donald Trump said this: "I'm so good looking."
I had the opportunity to read this before its release and it’s hilarious! Robyn has such a snarky good wit. This collection is the best of the best.
And I was honored that she dedicated Part II of the book to me and the IWSG. Thanks, Robyn!
Find it at Amazon in print and eBook
Put together by Jeremy Hawkins, it features articles and interviews with those in the music and movie industry. You don’t want to miss it!
This is his seventh book from Osprey Publishing.
Find it on Amazon
CassaFire Audio Book Giveaway
In celebration of my second book being on audio now, I’ve giving away two copies of CassaFire.
"Reminiscent of the action-driven stories of Robert A. Heinlein's early fiction…” - Library Journal
(And CassaStorm will be available very soon!)
Winners announced September 12.
How do you find time for writing? What genre of music moves you? Can you co-host the IWSG next month? Picking up some new books? Excited to hear CassaFire on audio? And are you excited about the IWSG contest now?
This Friday, September 9, I will be visiting author Rebecca Bradley for her weekly series, What is Your First Draft Like? So be sure to stop by.
